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ATM 2021 - Finance Committee Recommendations to ATM - FINAL 5-4-2021 pdf file
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Recommendations of the Finance Committee
to the Voters of Canton, Massachusetts
2021
TOWN OF CANTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
Public Informational Meeting on May 12 at 7:00 p.m. See Page 4 for details.
Please wear face coverings /masks
ATM Rain Date: Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
Memorial Field
On the Grounds of the Canton High School
900 Washington Street, Canton, MA
Study this report and come to Annual Town Meeting.
Bring this report with you.
_________________________________________________________
YOUR VOTE at Town Meeting is important
$125.3 million will be appropriated by
because it establishes the priorities for our schools,
Canton Town Meeting Voters for
public works, public safety, town government and
Next Year’s expenditures.
future direction for our environment.
The Town, upon request, will endeavor, to the
greatest extent possible, to make available any
and all visual and audio devices and assistance for
the disabled. For more information, please call
781-821-5000.Source page 2
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Finance Committee Report ……………………………………………………….……… 6
Annual Town Meeting - Charts and Exhibits
Figure 1 – Historical Summary of Expenses – FY11-FY21 Estimated …….. 10
Figure 2 – Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation ……….…… 12
Chart - Additional Fund Sources ………………………………………………………… 14
Town Finance Terminology …………………………………………………………………. 18
A Guide to Participating at Town Meeting …………………………………………….. 18
Note to All Voters Concerning Town Meeting Procedures ……………………….. 19
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures ……………………………………………….. 20
Revolving Funds ………………………………………………………………………………… 29
Vote to Transfer Available Funds ……………………………………………………….. 87
Operating Budget by Voting Category FY 2022 ……………………………………… 88
Operating Budget by Department – Detail FY 2022 …………..…………………… 90
Five-Year Municipal Capital Plan for FY 2022-2026 (includes self-supporting) 98
Five-Year School Committee Capital Plan for FY 2022-2026 …………………… 100
Annual Town Meeting Articles
Art. Page #
1 Elect a Moderator ………………………………………………………………………………. 21
2 Adopt Rules to Govern Town Meeting …………………………………………………… 21
3 Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior Town Meetings ……………… 23
4 Act on “Consent Agenda” ……………………………………………………………………. 24
5 Collective Bargaining Agreements under the Select Board ……………..……… 25
6 Personal Service Contracts under the Select Board ………………………….…….. 25
7 Set Salaries of Elected Officers ……………………………………………………………. 26
8 Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Year ……………………………………………………………….. 27
9 Adjust Fiscal 2021 Accounts ……………………………………………………………. 28
10 Authorize Certain Revolving Funds ……………………………………………………… 28
11 “Omnibus” Capital Outlay Program ……………………………………………………… 30
12 Accept General or Session Laws Enacted by the General Court ……………….. 52
13 Approval of Funding for the Annual 4th of July Community Celebration ….…. 52
14 Insurance Proceeds ………………………………………………………………………..… 53
15 Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations ………………………………………….. 53
16 Increase Special Education Reserve Account (Schools) ……………………….. 54
17 Increase FY22 School Department Budget ………………………………………… 54
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Annual Town Meeting Articles (cont’d.)
Art. Page #
18 Increase Solar Stabilization Fund ……………………………………….………………. 55
19 Recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee ………..…….. 55
20 Appropriate Proceeds from TNC Per Ride Assessment Funds …………………. 60
21 Home Rule Petition relative to Retired Police Officers ……………………….... 60
22 Acquire Permanent Easement Over 145 Sherman Street for Drainage …... 62
23 Appropriation for Acquisition of Right of Way Easement and Land Taking
off Pleasant Street Near Reservoir Pond …………….……………………….……… 64
24 Appropriation for Removal of Weeds & Nuisance Vegetation at Old
Shepherd’s Pond ……………………………………………………………….……………… 66
25 Amend General By-Laws by Adding Sidewalk Betterment Assessment
By-Law …………………………………………………………………………………………… 67
26 Appropriation to Support American Legion Post 24 Annual Budget ……..….. 69
27 Vote to Transfer Ownership of Hats to the American Legion Post 24 …….…. 69
28 Special Tax Agreement with Emergent BioSolutions ……………………………… 70
29 Acceptance of Gift of Land from Topgolf ………………………………………………. 72
30 Municipal Energy Aggregation Program ……………………………………………….. 74
31 Appropriation for the Construction of Bathroom, Storage and Snack Shack
Facilities at Kennedy Elementary School Fields …………………………………….. 74
32 General By-Law – Establishment of Municipal Affordable Housing Trust ….. 75
33 Acceptance of Bazin Lane as a Town Way ……………………………………………. 79
34 Acceptance of Magnolia Way as a Town Way ……………………………………….. 79
35 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 10.7 Canton Center Design Review …………. 80
36 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 3.1.4 Table of Use Definitions, Section J
Accessory Uses Related to the Keeping of Overnight of Motor Vehicles …... 81
37 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 3.1.4 Table of Use Regulations Related to
Short-Term Rentals ………………………………………………………………………….. 82
38 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 11.0 Definitions – Short Term Rentals …….. 83
39 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 4.1.4 Table of Dimensional Requirements –
Residence Districts …………………………………………………………………………… 84
40 Add Zoning By-Law Section 4.2.9 Retaining Walls along Scenic Ways ……… 85
41 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 7.8 to Remove the Expired Temporary
Moratorium on the Sale and Distribution of Recreational Marijuana ……….. 86
42 Appropriate Funds to Meet Expenses for Next Fiscal Year FY22 ……………… 87
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Pre-ATM Public Informational Meeting on
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Please access the following for the Informational meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82351402326
Telephone:
US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or
+1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 823 5140 2326
Question Submissions for the Pre-ATM
Public Informational Meeting may be submitted
no later than noon on
Tuesday, May 11th by emailing
atm@town.canton.ma.us.
For information regarding Articles, please access the following address:
https://www.town.canton.ma.us/866/2021-Annual-
Town-Meeting
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
NOTES:
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Finance Committee Report
Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget and Overview
The Finance Committee would like to acknowledge the elected officials, committee
members and municipal and school personnel who all work hard to balance the needs of
the town with the resources available. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created unique
challenges, Canton’s history of sound fiscal management, collaborative relationships
across municipal government and the schools and funding from the state and federal
government have allowed us to maintain, and in some case enhance services. Canton
remains in a strong financial position that should be enhanced by the availability of state
and federal pandemic related aid that will become available in the coming months.
Finance Committee Discussions
The voters should read the Finance Committee discussions on each article. The
discussions that follow each motion are intended to give insight into the Committee's
decisions and the considerations inherent in each motion. In some cases, when a vote
is not unanimous, a minority discussion may be provided offering the voter an additional
perspective on the article. It should be noted that a vote to "postpone indefinitely" may
occur for a variety of reasons. This can occur when the information needed for a vote was
not available at the time of the vote or because a decision was made by the article’s
sponsor to postpone the article.
Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Operating Budget
Article 42 provides a detailed budget for fiscal year 2022 (FY22). The Finance Committee
is recommending an FY22 general fund operating budget of $106.7 million, and combined
enterprise fund operating budgets of $14.9 million. The FY22 budget proposed by the
Finance Committee continues Canton’s sound fiscal management that has put us in a
position to both maintain and enhance services.
The $106.7 million FY22 budget recommended by the Finance Committee in this year’s
warrant is expected to maintain our current level of services, fund contractual increases
to our public employees, and address rising special
Finance Committee Budget
education costs. The recommended operating Recommendations
budget represents a 3.5% increase over the FY21 • $3.6 Million Increase in Operating
budget approved at the 2020 Annual Town Meeting Budgets, which includes:
(ATM). This includes a 3.5% increase in the School • $1.6 Million School Budget Increase
Operating Budget, a 3.9% increase to the Municipal • $1.1 Million Increase in Fixed Costs
• $0.9 Million Municipal Budget Increase
Operating Budget and a 3.4% increase in fixed
costs. Overall, the Finance Committee recommends that the School Department receive
an additional $1.6 million and the Municipal Operating Budget an additional $886,559
increase from FY21.
Each year, the Town’s cross functional Revenue Committee meets in late January or
early February, after the release of the Governor’s proposed state budget, to forecast the
expected Town general fund revenues for the next fiscal year. These revenue sources
include property taxes, state aid, and local receipts such as motor vehicle excise taxes,
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
hotel and meals taxes, interest, fees and payments in lieu of taxes. By intention, the
Revenue Committee forecasts revenue conservatively, to maximize the likelihood that
actual revenue won’t fall short of the budget prediction, ensuring that the Town “lives
within its means”. The Finance Committee uses this revenue forecast, as well as
information on fixed costs (including health insurance, pension, debt service, trash
collection and insurance) to set targets for the Municipal and School Operating Budgets.
The FY22 recommended Municipal and School Operating Budgets are aligned with the
targets set by the Finance Committee, based on the Revenue Committee forecast of
$23,663,027 for Municipal Departments and $47,792,662 for the School Department.
The FY22 budget recommended by the Finance Committee assumes that property taxes
will be increased $1.6 million less
2021 Residential Tax Rate: $12.20 Per Thousand
than the maximum allowed under • $5.56 School Operating and Capital
Proposition 2 ½ (80.3% of general • $2.80 Municipal Operating and Capital
fund revenue). FY22 will be the first • $3.68 Fixed Costs
year of the 30 year payment in lieu • $0.16 State & County Charges
of taxes (PILOT) agreement with the
newly combined Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Organization,
establishing their new corporate headquarters in Canton at the former Reebok site. This
health care company is recognized as a non-profit and therefore not subject to property
taxes. However, with the PILOT agreement they have agreed to annually contribute to
the Town’s recurring revenue stream the amount of $1.6 million, with 3% increases
annually. Although this amount is no longer considered property tax, it is considered a
local receipt and will be included in that revenue category. The Tax Levy Limit does not
decrease under Proposition 2½ rules when a property’s taxable status changes.
However, in fairness to all Canton property tax payers, it is appropriate to reduce the tax
levy by the revenue amount shifting from taxes to local receipts. The revenue forecast
does project a $1.1 million increase in new property tax growth in FY22.
Before accounting for the $1.6 million shift of property tax revenue to local receipts, local
receipts (8.25% of general fund revenue) are budgeted at about $180,000 less than
budgeted in FY21 due to the Covid-19 impact on the local economy.
While the FY21 State Aid budget was finalized six months late, in December of 2020, the
Governor was able to issue his proposed FY22 State budget (8.7% of general fund
revenue) on schedule in January. The Governor’s proposal recommends only $28,000
more than the FY21 State Aid budget, However, the final state aid for FY21 was $1 million
more than planned by the Town. The town planned conservatively because of the
pandemic and significant uncertainty about the state budget at the time that the town had
to establish its FY21 budget.
Enterprise Funds Increases
The Water Enterprise Fund operating budget is increasing 6.7%, to $7.89 million,
primarily due to increases in debt service, expenses related to well repairs and equipment
maintenance, and software maintenance expenses. The recommended budget for the
Sewer Enterprise Fund is relatively flat at $6.65 million.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
The recommended budget for the Rink Enterprise Fund has been set at $390,620,
reflecting that the rink will be operational for the entire fiscal 2022 year, versus the partial
year of operation in FY21.
Bond Rating
In April of 2020, Standard & Poor’s assigned its AAA long-term rating to the 2020 Canton
general obligation (GO) municipal purpose bonds and affirmed the same rating on
Canton’s GO bonds outstanding, reflecting the Town’s solid financial position and
practices. This is the highest bond rating afforded to municipalities in the United States
and is even higher than the rating assigned to the United States government, given only
to entities that consistently demonstrate sound fiscal management. This rating allows the
Town to borrow money for capital projects at the lowest available interest rates. The
estimated total reserve amount at the end of Town Meeting is $16MM and 15.48% of the
FY ’21 General Fund Budgeted Expenditures.
Historical Perspective on Canton's Finances
As the economy continues to fluctuate, the Finance Committee has attempted to balance
maintaining and enhancing services at a sustainable rate, continuing to address our Other
Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability, maintaining our infrastructure and preserving
funds needed to weather economic downturns that come without warning and last for
unknown durations.
Fiscal Year 2019 – (7/1/2018 – 6/30/2019)
At the 2018 ATM voters approved an FY19 budget based on $94.9 million in forecasted
revenue and $96.0 million in forecasted expenses. The expenses were budgeted higher
than revenue by $1.2 million by paying the following expenses from Free Cash: a transfer
to a special education reserve account ($700,000); and capital projects ($454,000). In
addition, at the special town meeting in December, voters approved a $1.5 million transfer
from overlay surplus to help rebuild the Town’s ice rink.
Actual general fund revenue for FY19 was $98 million and was about $2 million greater
than budgeted primarily because local receipts came in higher than projected which
allowed the town to replenish Free Cash reserves. Overall, cash reserves, which are
comprised of Free Cash, Stabilization Funds, and the Assessors Overlay Reserve, came
in at 16.64% of FY20’s budget, or 1.64% better than the 15% benchmark the credit rating
agencies give their highest marks to.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Fiscal Year 2020 – (7/1/2019 – 6/30/2020)
At the 2019 ATM voters approved an FY20 budget based on $99.0 million in forecasted
revenue and $100.2 million in forecasted expenses. The expenses were budgeted higher
than revenue by $1.2 million by funding the special education reserve account ($700,000)
and improvements at the intersection of Randolph and Washington streets ($500,000)
from Free Cash.
The Town’s FY20 general fund revenues were $88,000 less than planned. While local
receipts were $880,000 higher than budgeted, tax revenues were $1.1 million less than
budgeted. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy was the driving factor
in this result. Although local receipts came in higher than budget, they were approximately
$700.000 less than planned as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the local economy in
several areas including hotel and meals excise taxes, interest income, fees and other
departmental revenue. Accordingly recharge to reserves was less than planned.
However budget turnbacks, which also recharge reserves, were significant at just under
$1 million primarily due to a mild winter and no draw downs on the Finance Committee’s
Reserve Fund as a result of good stewardship of budgets by all department heads. Also,
the stabilization fund had a healthy $900,000 increase in the value of its investments. The
result being that FY20 reserve levels reached 17.58%.
In an effort to provide some short-term financial relief to impacted taxpayers in light of the
impacts of Covid-19, the Select Board adopted a newly enacted state law allowing for
FY20 fourth quarter tax, water & sewer bills to be paid two months later than scheduled
due dates. As a result, the Town’s collection of taxes and water & sewer bills was below
plan in FY20. However the substantial majority of those deferred taxes and water & sewer
bills were collected in the first quarter of FY21.
Fiscal Year 2021 – (7/1/20 – 6/30/2021)
At the 2020 ATM voters approved an FY21 budget based on $102.3 million in forecasted
revenue and $103.2 million in forecasted expenses. The expenses were budgeted higher
than revenue by $913,000 as the following projects were funded by Free Cash: transfer
to a special education reserve account ($500,000); Earl Newhouse Waterfront
improvements ($239,130); Sherman/Pleasant/Angela street Intersection improvements
($85,000); three smaller articles for easement acquisitions, community recognition
($50,000); and $39,299 from other funds.
Directly related to the economic impacts of the global pandemic, we are anticipating a
large decline in local receipts. The town budgeted conservatively, however, so the local
receipts should support the FY21 budget. However, limited funds will be available to
replenish the Free Cash reserves. Overall, though, we anticipate our cash reserves to be
maintained at or above the 15% target.
It is the Town’s conservative approach to budgeting revenues that is responsible for this
expected result. Not knowing what the next year will bring, or when the next economic
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
crisis will come or how long it will last, should be major factors influencing the Town’s
continued conservative approach to maintaining its solid financial footing.
Historical Review of Expenses
Figure 1 provides an historical view of the relative level of expenses between the School
department, the Municipal side of government, and fixed costs (i.e. health care, pension,
debt service, etc.). School expenses have increased 4.2% on average annually since
FY11 while municipal expenses have increased 3.9%. Fixed costs have increased 2.9%.
Total expenses have increased 3.7%. The Finance Committee has historically noted that
managing health care and employee benefit costs is a critical component in alleviating
the Town’s financial stress. It should also be obvious that increasing the number of Town
employees has a direct impact on the fixed cost budget. The Town has historically worked
with its municipal and school employees to mitigate the rising cost of healthcare, pension
and OPEB, which now comprise about 20% of our overall budget.
Figure 1: Historical Comparative Summary of Expense Growth
100
95
90
85
80
Budget Actuals
$'s in Millions
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Fiscal Year
SCHOOL (4.2%) MUNICIPAL (3.9%) FIXED COSTS (2.9%) TOTAL EXPENSES (3.7%)
The accelerated increases in the School Department expenses can be attributed to an
increase in special education costs and the steps, lanes and longevity increases built into
the teacher contracts. Municipal and school employee contracts include increases for
employees for longevity, steps (number of years served) and lanes (promotions or the
amount of post-graduate education for teachers), even when there is no cost of living
adjustment (COLA). When there is a COLA, employees can receive both. The School
Department contracts include more steps than the municipal contracts, and have more
lanes with no restrictions on the number of employees that can receive the promotional
increases. As a result, the $649,302 in steps, lanes and longevity inherent in school
contracts for FY22 represented an average salary increase of 1.7% compared to the
$153,919, or 0.8% increase, in steps and longevity increases provided to municipal
employees. Not all labor contracts are settled for FY22.
Both the Municipal and School budgets contain “wild cards”, line items that cannot be
accurately predicted in advance. In the case of the Municipal budget, the amounts
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Free Cash - This is a misunderstood required for Snow and Ice removal and for public safety
term created by the Dept. of Revenue overtime are examples. For the Schools, it is the federally
(DOR). It represents the mandated costs for students with special education
“Undesignated Fund Balance” in the (SPED) needs, particularly in cases where those needs
General Fund and should only be used
for one-time costs or for extraordinary cannot be met within the district and instead student must
expenses. Using "Free Cash" to be place in programs out of district. It simply is not
supplement operational budgets possible to predict when such students will move into or
should be avoided if at all possible. It out of the District or when the needs of existing students
is generated primarily from revenues will change, potentially causing variances between the
received in excess of budgeted
revenues and from underspent budget budget and the actual costs. Also, the incremental local
appropriations. It is certified annually costs of managing through the current COVID-19 health
by the DOR and is reduced by deficits crisis is a challenge that impacts both School and
in any town account or impacted Municipal expenses.
positively or negatively by changes in
tax receivables balances.
Status of the Town's Reserves
Budget variances are inevitable. The Town's reserves protect against unexpected costs
exceeding the budgets approved at ATM. The General Fund’s operating budget includes
$600,000 ($100,000 more than customary) for the Finance Committee Reserve account,
which can cover extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures. Any remaining balance in this
fund is transferred to Free Cash as in previous years.
The Town also maintains three sources of permanent "reserves" (savings accounts) that
serve as potential sources to fund one-time or unplanned extraordinary expenses. Figure
2 displays the Town's historical reserve balances including the estimated balances as of
June 30, 2021. Free Cash requires a majority vote at town meeting to be appropriated.
The Stabilization Fund requires a 2/3rds vote at town meeting to be appropriated. The
Assessor’s Overlay Reserve Fund is included in Figure 2 as a Reserve, although it is not
all available for appropriation. The Overlay Reserve is the fund used for paying tax
exemptions and abatements. It can only be accessed for other purposes if an overlay
surplus is declared by the Town’s Board of Assessors. This results in a release of money
from the Overlay Reserve Fund into the Overlay Surplus account. The Town estimates
potential Overlay Surplus by reducing the Overlay Reserve for estimated exemptions and
abatements. Currently, the Town’s reserves are at approximately 17.58% of expenses.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Figure 2: Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation
(in millions)
$20.0
$18.0
$2.3
$16.0 $2.8
$2.5
$14.0 $3.7 $3.8
$4.3
$12.0
$3.0 $9.4
millions
$10.0 $8.5 $9.5
$2.3
$8.0 $1.3 $7.0 $7.7 $16.5
$0.7 $6.3
$5.6
$6.0 $0.4 $5.1
$4.2 $4.6
$4.0 $3.5
$5.7 $6.6 $5.6
$2.0 $3.8 $4.2 $4.9 $4.4
$3.2 $2.9 $3.3
$2.2
$0.0
7/1/11 7/1/12 7/1/13 7/1/14 7/1/15 7/1/16 7/1/17 7/1/18 7/1/19 7/1/20 Bond 6/30/21
Rating (est.)
Free Cash Reserves Stabilization Fund Overlay Reserves Agency
Target
In addition to providing a possible source of funding for one-time expenditures, or
unforeseen or extraordinary one-time emergency situations, the reserve funds are viewed
as a collateral source when rating agencies determine the Town's bond rating. Bond
rating agencies look for a reserve of 15% of expenses for AAA rated communities.
Canton's prudent fiscal management has allowed the Town to earn the highest long-term
bond rating (Standard & Poor's AAA) offered to municipalities in the United States. This
allows Canton to issue bonds for debt capital projects at the most favorable interest rates.
The Town would incur increased borrowing costs if a downgrade in Canton's bond rating
were to occur. A downgrade in the Town's bond rating results in higher interest rates for
new borrowing. Each downgrade can represent an increase of approximately 25 basis
points or 0.25%. Each year, the ATM approves between $2.0 million and $3.0 million of
additional debt for capital projects, some years higher, some lower. A 0.25% increase in
interest rate equates to approximately a $30,000 increase in the cost to borrow $1 million
over the life of a 20 year bond.
The Finance Committee recommended that the Town strengthen its reserve position
during the years following the 2008 general property tax override. Figure 2 above shows
that Canton’s reserves have grown from $6.02 million at the end of FY11 to an estimated
$17.9 million at the end of FY21. Reserves are used
Assessor’s Overlay - This account during economic downturns to reduce the impacts to
sets aside funds for property tax
exemptions and abatements. operating budgets and related services as well as to
However, if the Assessors declare a cover shortfalls in the snow and ice budget. As the
surplus, funds can be released for economy turned around, the Town took steps to grow
appropriation by Town Meeting. these reserves.
While we consider the entire overlay
balance as a cash reserve, much of
it may be needed for future The Finance Committee adopted a policy, in a year
abatements granted by the Board of surplus, to recommend increasing our reserves by
of Assessors. 1% (of expenses) per year until we reach 15%.
Amounts above this target can be reinvested into the
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Town’s requirements, such as needed capital projects (e.g., roads and buildings) along
with funding our OPEB liability.
Since a surplus is being projected for FY21, in addition to maintaining our reserves at
15.0%, the Finance Committee recommends $2,175,000 in funds be used to address
several items including: Memorial Hall exterior renovation - $1.2 million (Article 11 Motion
4); School Department Revolving Account replenishment due to funds previously
advanced from these accounts in efforts to combat the Covid-19 impacts - $360 thousand
(Article 17); Little League bathrooms, storage and snack shack at the Kennedy
Elementary athletic fields - $600 thousand (Article 31); and for a land taking off of Pleasant
Street - $15 thousand (Article 23).
In addition, in Article 16, $660,000 is recommended to fund the School Department
Special Education (SPED) budget issue from unanticipated FY21 general fund revenues
for FY22 by transferring that sum into the special education reserve account. We look
forward to the state Circuit Breaker program providing adequate funds for SPED down
the road.
Aside from SPED, the Finance Committee recommends that $140,000 in unanticipated
FY21 general fund revenues be used to complete the $500,000 funding of School
Department Revolving Account replenishment due to funds previously advanced from
these accounts in efforts to combat the Covid-19 impacts (Article 17). Also, $200,000
from unanticipated FY21 general fund revenues is recommended to be used to resolve
the FY21 Snow & Ice account deficit (Article 9).
Additional Fund Sources
The end of FY ’20 and the entirety of FY21 has been dramatically impacted by the global
pandemic known as COVID-19. As a result of the Federal response, the Town has
received $2.1 million in Federal “CARES Act” funds, plus $1.4 million in other Federal
grant funds to cover additional costs associated with actions taken across multiple areas
of need. Those areas include: School; Health; Public Safety; Building Maintenance;
Information Technology; Unemployment; and Housing Assistance. The funds are being
used in efforts to address and help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Canton and
provide public assistance. The Town is systemically tracking these excess costs in
compliance with Federal reporting requirements. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) will also be providing reimbursement of certain expenses. The
Accounting department is working to keep up with the ever changing FEMA rules in order
to maximize any additional financial relief. In addition, the Federal government has
passed additional legislation in 2021 known as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The funds that flow to Canton from ARPA to continue to address cost, revenue and other
impacts of the pandemic may be as substantial as was received in calendar 2020.
In addition to our reserves, the Town also has several other sources of funds. These
funds may be controlled by Town Meeting, by a board or by a committee. Often, the
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
use of these funds is restricted by state or federal law. In some cases, the funds can be
spent for “any lawful purpose” if the Town hasn’t earmarked them for certain expenses.
Finally, due to the timing of inflows and outflows from the fund, the balances can vary
greatly throughout the year. The table below is not an exhaustive list of funds, and
generally includes funds with more than $100,000 and does not include encumbrances -
committed uses of the funds.
Name of Fund Controlled By 7/2018 7/2019 7/2020 3/2021 Source of Funds Use of Funds
Ambulance TM $1.9M $2.0M $1.5M $1.3M Ambulance Receipts Any related lawful purpose
Bond Issuance Finance $234K $257K $260K $247K Premiums received from borrowing Reduce debt service costs
Cemetery Perpetual Care TM $477K $499K $571K $593K Payments for cemetery perpetual care Cemetery improvements
Chaisson Memorial Fund Library $391K $397K $418K $425K Bequests Library needs
Circuit Breaker Schools $245K $1.4M $2.3M $3.3M State Reimbursements Special Education Costs
Conservation Land Fund ConCom $153K $155K $160K $161K Appropriations by town meeting Purchase of conservation land
Dental Insurance Trust Fund Finance $739K $792K $1.0M $1.0M Dental insurance contributions Dental insurance claims & related costs
Health Insurance Trust Fund Finance $4.6M $3.6M $6.6M $5.8M Health insurance contributions Health insurance claims & related costs
Insurance Proceeds Various Depts. $118K $27K $0 $13K Insurance reimbursements under $150K Repair/replace damaged property
OPEB Trust Finance $4.0M $5.0M $6.4M $8.4M Appropriations by town meeting OPEB Costs
Police Detective Bureau Police Chief $168K $195K $197K $198K Forfeitures Police investigative work
Police Drug Forfeiture Police Chief $326K $163K $163K $98K Federal drug forfeiture program Police investigative work
School Athletics Schools $326K $318K $299K $377K Sports fees, game receipts Athletic program costs
School Donations Schools $238K $212K $214K $199K Donations to school department Any lawful purpose unless specified by donor
School Food Service Schools $300K $310K $206K -$53K Receipts from school cafeterias Operate school cafeterias
School Rentals Schools $382K $316K $298K $262K Rents collected from use of school facilities School facility costs
School Tuition Schools $425K $415K $464K $313K Fees for pre-school and extracurricular programs Payment of program costs
Special Education Reserve Schools/BOS $111K - $300K $800K Appropriations by town meeting Special Education Costs
Street & Sidewalk Improvements BOS $818K $145K -$1.2M -$794K Chapter 90 State Aid Road and sidewalk repairs
Town Donations BOS $1.8M $2.4M $2.4M $2.4M Donations to municipal departments Any lawful purpose unless specified by donor
Unemployment Claims HR $260K $256K $296K $273K Appropriations by town meeting Unemployment costs
University Station BOS $914K $687K $572K $568K Mitigation payments Defray costs associated with project
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget is used first to pay debt service on all existing debt within the tax levy,
$3.1 million in FY22. The remaining amount is used to fund capital projects identified in
the Capital Planning Committee (CPC) 5-year plan. The Finance Committee recommends
that Canton continue its responsible practice of funding capital expenses at least 5% of
revenue in recognition of the fact that asset depreciation is a real cost. To meet this goal
for FY22, one of the recommended capital projects is funded from Free Cash: $1.2MM
for critical exterior renovations to Memorial Hall. This amount is recommended to be
supplemented with $283.5K from CPA funds and a $1.1MM borrowing authorization. The
total Capital Budget recommended for FY22 represents 6.4% of expected revenue.
Allocating the Town's limited revenue between the operating expenses needed to
maintain our services and the capital expenses needed to maintain our buildings and
infrastructure, is always a difficult decision. The Finance Committee believes it is
important to continue to address capital needs to maintain the Town’s infrastructure.
The Finance Committee concurs with all of the recommendations made by the CPC as
presented in Article 11. The municipal requests include $836,509 in cash capital projects.
$1.3 million in municipal capital projects are recommended to be funded with debt in the
general fund. $1.1 million for the exterior renovation of Memorial Hall, $102K towards the
replacement of the Police department record management system and $76K for the
replacement of a Fire department air filling station.
-14-Source page 15
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
In FY22, the Schools were allocated $800,000 for cash capital projects as recommended
by the CPC. CPC is also recommending that $596K be borrowed for three school capital
projects. $180K for a roof top HVAC unit replacement at the High School and $416K for
unit ventilators at the Galvin Middle School and the Hansen School.
In addition, the CPC recommended infrastructure capital improvement projects for the
Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds totaling $454,000 to be funded from enterprise cash
reserves. Using cash reserves where practical instead of borrowing eliminates interest
costs the Town would incur from borrowing. In addition, CPC is recommending that $8
million be borrowed by the Water Enterprise Fund to pay for four projects. $4.35 million
for “phase 2” water main replacements on Edward Street, Barbara Road, Highland Street,
Pond View Road, Pond Street, Hillsview Street and Autumn Circle. $3.2 million for a
fifteen to twenty year water storage tank maintenance program in order to address
significant maintenance needs of the Town’s five water tanks. In addition $270 thousand
is recommended to fund year three of the water distribution system main design and $250
thousand to replace the #27 CAT Loader.
Community Preservation Act
We will also have the opportunity to vote
Community Preservation Act Surcharge
uses of the Community Preservation Act
The CPA surcharge is calculated as 1% of
your real estate bill after an exemption amount
(CPA) funds, which are generated by a
is applied. Abatements are available from the 1% surcharge on our property tax bills,
Board of Assessors for Seniors and Low as well as state matching in FY22.
Income Households. Article 19 addresses the administrative
costs as well as seven projects brought
forth by the Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC). Included is a
recommendation to spend $283,506 of CPA funds towards the architectural and design
costs associated with the full exterior renovation of Memorial Hall. Also included in the
CPA article is a recommendation to allocate $270,322 of CPA funds to replace the upper
playground of the Luce Elementary School. $251,490 has been allocated to pay the third
year of debt service in FY22 for the Paul Revere Heritage site land acquisition. This is a
10 year bond and therefore will be a recurring allocation for seven additional years.
$100,000 is being recommended to replace the emergency egress staircases at the
Hagan Court Senior Housing Complex. $210,000 has also been allocated out of CPA
funds for six other worthy projects to enhance the quality of life in Canton.
Contract Obligations
Canton is fortunate to have many dedicated employees that work hard to serve our
residents. The Finance Committee continues to recommend, along with the Board of
Selectman and School Committee, that these employees be compensated and receive
benefits commensurate with that offered by our benchmark towns. We also believe that
our Town employees should receive annual increases that reflect the current economic
conditions and balanced with the spending limits mandated by Proposition 2 1/2.
-15-Source page 16
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Canton residents should be aware that the recommended budget in this year's warrant
includes $154K for automatic salary increases for the municipal departments and $649K
for automatic salary increases for the school employees related to steps, lanes and
longevity. Additionally, ~$400K has been set aside for municipal cost of living
adjustments (COLA) and $881K for School COLAs.
On the Horizon
• Street Acceptances: At this annual town meeting there are two articles
addressing streets to be accepted as public ways. At the time this report was being
prepared the Select Board had not voted to accept these streets, as they are not
ready to be accepted. Therefore the Finance Committee had to vote to indefinitely
postpone these articles.
• School Space Needs: The School Department has studied the school building
needs of the Town, including an assessment of building capacities and educational
visioning for the Schools, an evaluation of present and projected needed repairs,
and an analysis of the best solution for housing the administrative offices. The
School Committee and the Select Board have previously voted to advance the
application of a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building
Authority (MSBA) for the Galvin Middle School. This is the third such application
in a process competing for limited funds. Since these school projects across the
state are reliant on the state sales tax as a major component of the program’s
funding, the current “pause” in the economy will likely result in this round of
applications being even more competitive for these limited but important funds.
• OPEB: Canton has made promises to its employees to not only provide pensions
upon retirement, but subsidized health, dental and life insurance. The Town only
started setting aside money for these Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) at
2012’s Town Meeting with the establishment of the OPEB Trust fund. The
unfunded liability for these benefits is currently about $83.5 million and the Finance
Committee is recommending placing $1,050,000 million into this fund for FY22. At
this time, the state has not made any changes to address this financial issue faced
by all governments. At some point in the future, the state may be more successful
than they have been in changing the rules around OPEB, reducing our liability, but
at the same time, requiring the Town to still fully fund the liability. While putting
aside some money now will put the Town in a better financial situation than
surrounding communities, the subsequent annual cost will likely continue to be
substantial pending any plan design changes. At the end of FY21, the OPEB trust
balance is estimated to be more than $8.7 million.
-16-Source page 17
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
• Storm Water Management: The Town of Canton has an investment of over
$100,000,000 in the municipal separate storm water system [MS4]. As owners and
operators of the MS4 system, the Town is subject to a five year permit that ends
in 2022. Compliance with the permit is predicated on both water quality and
hydraulic flow. The new MS4 permit is expected to require significant new funding
needs to achieve water quality stipulations. For Canton, EPA estimates the
administrative costs alone at $100,000 per year. The new MS4 permit will require
Canton to identify the means through which the storm water management program
will be funded on an adequate and sustainable basis. In the future, this may require
establishment of fees and an enterprise account. For FY22 the Town intends to
hire a stormwater manager to drive the establishment of the Town’s future plans.
• Roads: Canton, along with all other Massachusetts communities, has traditionally
relied on Chapter 90 grants (about $800,000 per year) from the state in order to
repair the Town’s road system. Unfortunately, this funding has been insufficient
and the Town’s roads have deteriorated. The Town’s last road study suggested
that $24 million was needed to bring the Town’s roads up to a good condition.
Unless there is a significant increase in Chapter 90 funding, Canton will need to
prioritize investing Town dollars into maintaining the roadways by inclusion within
the Town’s Capital Plan.
Please attend Town Meeting as your input and your vote are important!
Respectfully submitted,
Town of Canton Finance Committee:
Tim McKenna, Chair
Cindy Thomas, Vice Chair
Robert Barker
David Clough
Dan Cole
Emilio Mauro
Reuki Schutt
Thomas Theodore
Wai Wong
-17-Source page 18
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
TOWN FINANCE TERMINOLOGY
The terms below are frequently used in the annual Town report and at Town Meetings. In order to provide everyone
with a better understanding of their meanings, the following definitions are provided:
APPROPRIATE: To authorize spending. Once an appropriation for a budget or article has been made by Town
Meeting, the appropriation can only be changed by another Town Meeting. The exceptions are a transfer from the
Reserve Fund or a year end transfer authorized by the Selectmen and the Finance Committee.
BONDS: The money Canton borrows to pay for capital projects such as the High School and police station.
CAPITAL EXPENSES: Expenses associated with the purchase of long-term assets, or projects. Paying for these
expenses can come from either cash (Cash Capital) or from long term bonding.
CHERRY SHEET: A financial statement from the State, printed on cherry-colored paper which itemizes State
disbursements due the Town, and the State and County charges to the Town, usually resulting in a net receipt of
funds.
DEBT EXCLUSION: Taxes raised through a Prop. 2½ override to pay for capital projects such as building the high
school or library.
ENTERPRISE SURPLUS: (Retained Earnings) This fund balance represents the amount to be used, by a vote of
Town Meeting, for operating cost offsets, funding capital improvements and reimbursing the General Fund for prior
year funding.
FIXED COSTS: Costs primarily associated with employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement costs.
FREE CASH RESERVE (UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE): An accumulation of surpluses left at the end of the
fiscal year. This funding is available to be allocated at Town Meeting through a simple majority vote. It is akin to a
savings account.
INDEFINITELY POSTPONE: This is the equivalent of a negative vote on an article.
FY21: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021
FY22: July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
LEVEL FUNDING: The budget amount for this year will be identical to the budget amount last year (i.e., no
additional money will be available to cover increased costs in salaries or supplies.)
LEVY LIMIT: The maximum amount of tax levy in any given year. The levy limit is based on the previous year’s
levy limit plus 2 1/2% plus new growth, and not the previous year’s actual levy.
LOCAL RECEIPTS: Money the town collects from local sources such as excise tax, licenses and permits, investment
income, and penalties.
NEW GROWTH: Additional tax revenue the Town receives from new construction, such as new homes or additions
to existing buildings.
OPEB: Other Post-Employment Benefits are benefits provided to town retirees for such things as health, dental and
life insurance. Retirees are eligible for these benefits in addition to a town pension.
OPERATIONAL OVERRIDE: An increase above the standard Prop. 2½ yearly increase in taxes. This increase is
unlike a debt exclusion override, in that it is permanent.
OVERLAY: The amount raised by the Assessors primarily for the purpose of creating a fund to cover abatements.
OVERLAY RESERVE: This is the accumulated amount of the Overlay for various years not used or required to be
held in the specific Overlay accounts for a given year. The Assessors control release of funds in the Overlay reserve
that exceed pending tax liability.
RAISE: To tax. The tax rate is set by the Assessors after the Annual Town Meeting and after receipt of the final
“Cherry Sheet.”
RESERVE FUND: This fund is established by the voters at an Annual Town Meeting. Transfers from the Reserve
Fund are within the control of the Finance Committee, and are for “extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures.”
REVENUES: Amount of money the town receives to cover expenses. The majority of this money comes from
property taxes. The remainder comes from local receipts, State Aid and transfers from other funds.
STABILIZATION FUND: The fund is established by the voters for future uses. A 2/3 Town Meeting vote is required
for its use.
STATE AID: The amount of money that the state of Massachusetts gives to the Town of Canton.
STEP AND LANE INCREASES: Automatic increases in salary for town workers, negotiated in the union contracts.
STRUCTURAL DEFICIT: When Town’s recurring expenses are greater than its recurring revenues.
TAX LEVY: (LEVY): The revenue a community can raise through real estate and personal property taxes.
A GUIDE TO PARTICIPATING AT TOWN MEETING
If town meeting is to run smoothly a few simple rules must be followed…….
No person should speak unless standing at a microphone and then only after having been ‘recognized’ by the
moderator.
-18-Source page 19
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
It is both impolite and contrary to the rules of procedure to shout out “Question”, or “Move the Question” while
seated, while someone else is speaking, or without being ‘recognized’.
When recognized, a voter should first state his or her name and address clearly and distinctly before making any
statement.
Voters should be brief. It is a good idea to state at the outset why you have risen to speak: e.g. I rise to speak in
favor (or against) the motion to Voters may wish to summarize at the close of their remarks: I hope the motion
now pending is (not) adopted
Rather than repeat arguments already made, consider saying: I concur with the statements made by the previous
speaker(s) and for the same reasons urge you to vote (in support of) or (against) the main motion when it is put.
A town by-law restricts any one speaker to not more than ten minutes at any one time. The patience of other voters
is often not as long.
A town by-law restricts any one speaker from speaking more than twice on the same matter except to correct an
error or a misstatement.
A person who is speaking on behalf of another (such as an attorney) is required to disclose that fact before making
any statement.
A motion to reconsider is quite technical in nature. A person who intends to move reconsideration should discuss it
in advance with the moderator. Generally the motion may be made at any time so long as a sufficient interval has
elapsed since the last vote on the matter was taken, and/or additional information has become available, so as to
give a reasonable basis to believe the meeting might vote differently. When the motion to reconsider is pending
debate is limited to why reconsideration should prevail and not to the merits of the underlying motion.
When one voter is speaking every other voter in the hall should pay attention to what is being said. No person should
interrupt a speaker unless some ‘rule’ is being violated. If a voter believes a rule is being violated they should rise
in place, wait to be recognized by the moderator (For what purpose does the lady rise?) Voter: I rise to a point of
order. Moderator: State your point of Order. Voter: …The speaker is dealing in personalities, (or) the remarks of the
speaker are not germane to the subject at hand, etc.
Rather than read every warrant article the moderator may say “The chair asks unanimous consent that the reading
of the article be waived (Pause) Seeing no objection it is so ordered.”
Voters should refrain from displaying their approval or disfavor towards a speaker by applauding or by any other
means.
NOTE TO ALL VOTERS CONCERNING
TOWN MEETING PROCEDURES
At a previous Annual Town Meeting a by-law was adopted which requires that almost all warrant articles be acted
upon in the order they are drawn by a lottery, not the order they appear in the warrant. There are certain exceptions,
however, to the lottery system. The following should help you understand how the Town Meeting works:
Town Meeting will be opened by the Town Clerk. A Moderator will be elected (Article 1); procedures to govern Town
Meeting will be adopted (Article 2); reports of all outstanding committees will be received (Article 3); and the consent
agenda (Article 4). The consent agenda is a list of articles that appear to be non-controversial and therefore are
voted as a group. If any voter wishes to discuss any article that is listed on the consent agenda, the voter may simply
ask for a hold on that article, and the article will be deleted from the consent agenda and acted on separately in the
normal course of the meeting.
After these four articles have been acted upon, all subsequent articles, except next year’s proposed annual operating
budget, will be voted on in the order in which they are drawn by the Town Clerk. There are instances, however,
where the Moderator may declare that for some legal or technical reason a particular article or articles must be
considered in some other sequence.
The proposed annual operating budget cannot be acted upon until all matters which affect it have been acted upon,
specifically, all collective bargaining agreements, and any warrant article that calls for an expenditure. This may
mean that the proposed annual operating budget may, in fact, be the last article acted upon at the Annual Town
Meeting. It is hoped that this brief explanation will be helpful to you in understanding the lottery system under which
the Town Meeting is currently operated.
-19-Source page 20
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
SUMMARY of REVENUES and EXPENDITURES
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
ACTUAL Revised Budget Estimate
GENERAL FUND REVENUES:
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE 77,780,712 83,714,637 85,687,763
STATE AID 9,418,160 9,722,010 9,328,290
LOCAL RECEIPTS 8,258,958 7,600,000 8,800,000
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FUNDS 3,244,804 2,759,918 2,871,011
TAX TITLE / FORECLOSURE REVENUE 235,221 200,000 0
TOTAL REVENUES 98,937,855 103,996,564 106,687,064
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
SCHOOL EXPENSES 44,055,834 46,186,271 47,792,662
MUNICIPAL EXPENSES 21,716,443 22,731,468 23,618,027
FIXED COSTS 29,641,675 31,426,310 32,161,949
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 95,413,952 100,344,049 103,572,638
SCHOOL CASH CAPITAL 749,998 600,000 800,000
MUNICIPAL CASH CAPITAL 1,670,460 650,000 861,000
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 2,420,458 1,250,000 1,661,000
TRANSFERS TO STABILIZATION FUNDS 0 0 0
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS 700,000 838,539 3,212,418
STATE & COUNTY CHARGES 1,186,662 1,402,515 1,428,426
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 99,721,072 103,835,103 109,874,482
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND (783,217) 161,461 (3,187,418)
ONE-TIME SOURCE of FUNDS
FREE CASH RESERVE 700,000 829,130 2,175,494
MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS 9,409 1,011,924
OVERLAY SURPLUS 0 0 0
TOTAL NON-RECURRING SOURCES 700,000 838,539 3,187,418
ADJUSTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND (83,217) 1,000,000 -
ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
WATER REVENUE 6,488,324 7,386,658 7,885,870
SEWER REVENUE 6,773,653 6,619,067 6,650,517
RINK REVENUE 40,331 238,660 390,620
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS' REVENUE 13,302,308 14,244,385 14,927,007
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS USED 435,000 96,200 454,000
WATER EXPENSES 7,114,512 7,386,658 7,885,870
SEWER EXPENSES 6,470,137 6,619,067 6,650,517
RINK EXPENSES 8,785 238,660 390,620
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS EXPENSES 13,593,434 14,244,385 14,927,007
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 435,000 96,200 454,000
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (291,126) 0 0
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 113,749,506 118,175,688 125,255,489
-20-Source page 21
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Town of Canton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk, ss
To the Constables of the Town of Canton,
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of
the Town of Canton to meet at Memorial Field, on the grounds of the Canton High School, 900 Washington Street
in said town on;
SATURDAY, THE TWENTY SECOND DAY
OF MAY 2021
At twelve-thirty (12:30 P.M.) in the afternoon for the annual town meeting at which time and place the following
articles are to be acted upon:
ARTICLE 1
ELECT A MODERATOR
Article 1 To elect a Moderator to preside at this Town Meeting to serve until the commencement of Annual Town
Meeting in 2022; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
DISCUSSION: Nominations will be accepted and a moderator elected at Town Meeting during the discussion of
this article.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 2
ADOPT RULES TO GOVERN TOWN MEETING
Article 2 To see if the Town will vote to adopt certain procedures to govern the conduct of the 2021 Annual Town
Meeting; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOTION 1
MOVED: That this 2021 Annual Town Meeting shall meet on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Memorial
Field, on the grounds of the Canton High School, 900 Washington Street until the business of this Annual
Town Meeting has been concluded, such session to begin at 12:30 P.M. and to adjourn at 7:00 o’clock
P.M., or as near that hour as may be feasible, according to the nature of the business pending at the said
hour.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it formalizes procedures that
have been followed by Town Meetings in the past.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-21-Source page 22
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the following individuals be granted all of the rights and privileges of participation
in this Annual Town Meeting, except the right to vote, under any article of this warrant which affects
matters within their jurisdiction:
David Andreotti , Son of Tony Andreotti
James Andreotti, Son of Tony Andreotti
Charlie Aspinwall, Town Administrator
David Brauninger, Principal, Lt. Peter M. Hansen Elementary School
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services
David Cain, Sr. Director, Engineering Facilities & Validation, Emergent BioSolutions (Article 28)
Steve Choiniere, Supervisor of Facilities and Grounds
Paul R. DeRensis, Town Counsel
Emily DiDonna, Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Superintendent of Schools
Derek Folan, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Elizabeth Francis, Parks & Recreation Director
Tom Houston, Professional Services Corporation, PC
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Arafat Knight, Veterans’ Agent
Yeshi Lamour, Principal, Dean S. Luce Elementary School
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant, Canton Planning Board
Brian Lynch, Facility Director, School
Stephen Lynch, Representative in Congress
Kristine Marchant, Vice President & General Manager, Emergent BioSolutions (Article 28)
Christine McMahon, Principal, John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Jason Mello, Town Engineer
M. Regen Milani, Conservation Commission Agent
Dianna Mullan, Director of Student Services, Canton Public Schools
Barry Nectow, School Business Administrator
Kristen Phelps, Canton Community Preservation Committee Administrator
Robert Pierce, Senior Tax Associate, Emergent BioSolutions (Article 28)
Helena Rafferty, Deputy Police Chief
Barbara Reardon, Board of Health Director
Michelle Resendes, Assistant Supt. for Business & Personnel, Blue Hills Reg. Technical School
Allison Robertson, Vice President, Taxation, Emergent BioSolutions (Article 28)
Debbie Rooney, Director of Teaching and Learning PreK-12
Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton Housing Authority
William Scollins, Finance Director
Sarah Shannon, Principal, William H. Galvin Middle School
Julie Shore, Director of Technology and Digital Learning
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Walter Timilty, State Senator
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
David Turcotte, Principal of Canton High School
Diane Tynan, Director of Council on Aging
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it allows key non-resident officials
and consultants to legally participate in the Town Meeting and it formalizes procedures that have been followed by
Town Meetings in the past.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-22-Source page 23
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
MOTION 3
MOVED: That whenever during discussion under any article in this warrant during this year’s
annual town meeting, irrespective of which session such discussion is reached during the progress of
the annual town meeting, a motion is made, the effect of which is to increase the total amount to be
appropriated beyond that which is recommended by the Finance Committee or which changes the
method of obtaining funds to meet that appropriation, the moderator shall not accept such motion unless
said motion also contains a corresponding decrease in another appropriation as contained in an
appropriation article on this specific warrant or a corresponding transfer from any other available
funding source or borrowing as an alternative funding source, so that the total amount to be appropriated
by the town, at this town meeting, and to be expended thereafter, for all the appropriation articles
contained in this warrant, shall not in any event exceed the total dollar amount recommended by the
Finance Committee as set forth in the published Report of the Finance Committee Recommendations as
may be increased by any transfer from available funds provided, however that nothing in this motion
shall prevent an increase in appropriation funding contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2½
override.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it formalizes procedures that have
been followed by Town Meeting in the past to ensure that Town Meeting ends with the adoption of a balanced budget.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 3
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED AT PRIOR TOWN MEETINGS
Article 3 To hear the reports of all committees appointed at previous town meetings, which have not yet been
discharged; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That reports of the following committees appointed at previous Town Meetings be
heard:
Economic Development Committee (ATM 2004, Article 14)
Community Preservation Committee (ATM 2011, Article 39)
Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) (ATM 2016, Article 32)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports adoption of this motion to hear the reports of standing
committees appointed at prior Town Meetings.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-23-Source page 24
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
ARTICLE 4
ACT ON “CONSENT AGENDA”
Article 4 To see if the Town will vote to dispose of certain articles in this warrant by a single vote, in accordance
with a so-called “consent agenda” or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That the following articles be disposed of by a single vote, in accordance with the Finance
Committee motions as written in the report of the Finance Committee: 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 33 and 34.
FINCOM
Article Description Motion VOTE Reason
There are no
Collective Bargaining Postpone
5 8-0-0 collective bargaining
Agreements under the BOS Indefinitely
agreements to fund.
There are no
Personal Service Contracts Postpone
6 8-0-0 personal service
under the BOS Indefinitely
contracts to fund.
Accept Laws Enacted by
12 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
the General Court
Uncertainty of large
4th of July Community Postpone gatherings due to
13 8-0-0
Celebration Indefinitely COVID.
Insurance Proceeds >
14 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
$150,000
Rescind Unused Borrowing
15 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
Authorizations
Increase Solar Postpone
18 8-0-0 No excess funds.
Stabilization Fund Indefinitely
Appropriate Proceeds from
20 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
TNC Ride
Home Rule Petition
21 Relative to Retired Police Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
Officers
Acquire easement 145
22 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
Sherman St. for drainage
Acquire easement & right
23 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
of way - 110 Pleasant St.
Removal of Weeds &
Postpone Alternate funding
24 Nuisance Vegetation at Old 8-0-0
Indefinitely available.
Shepherd’s Pond
Transfer of Hats to
27 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
American Legion Post 24
Acceptance of Gift of Land
29 Adopt this Article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
from Topgolf
Bazin Lane is not
Accept Bazin Lane as a Postpone
33 8-0-0 ready to be accepted
Town Way Indefinitely
by the Town.
-24-Source page 25
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Magnolia Way is not
34 Accept Magnolia Way as a Postpone
8-0-0 ready to be accepted
Town Way Indefinitely
by the Town.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The consent agenda is a list of articles that are voted as a group. Articles placed on the consent
agenda are considered non-controversial and can be voted in one block. If voters would like an article removed from
the consent agenda, they may place a hold on that article. If a hold is placed on an article, it will be deleted from
the consent agenda and acted on separately in the normal course of the meeting. The discussion on each article in
the consent agenda can be found under the individual article.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 5
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER THE SELECT BOARD
Article 5 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or transfer from Free
Cash, a sum of money for the purpose of funding any new cost items contained in any collective bargaining
agreements entered into by the Select Board, on behalf of the Town, with any group of employees, serving under its
jurisdiction; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 5 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: At the time of the Finance Committee’s vote collective bargaining agreements had not been settled
therefore the Finance Committee recommends that this article be postponed indefinitely.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 6
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS UNDER THE SELECT BOARD
Article 6 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or transfer from Free
Cash, such sums of money as may be necessary to fund new cost items contained in contracts for personal
services with any individual employee; or take any action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 6 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: At the time of the Finance Committee’s vote personal service contracts had not be settled therefore
the Finance Committee recommends that this article be postponed indefinitely.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-25-Source page 26
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
ARTICLE 7
SET SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Article 7 To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section one hundred and eight of chapter
forty-one (G. L. chapter 41, §108) to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of the town; or to take
any other action related thereto.
Select Board
Article 7 - MOTION 1
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for the Town Clerk be fixed at $97,749 for the 2022
Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to support the Town Clerk's salary. The Town Clerk is
a full-time elected official, and the Committee voted to support the salary of $97,749 finding that it is appropriate
for the 2022 Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 7 - MOTION 2
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for all part-time elected officials of the Town be fixed
for the 2022 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, as follows:
Board of Assessors $2,400.00, for each member
Board of Health $600.00, for each member
Select Board $1,400.00, for each member, with an additional
$200.00 to chairperson
Planning Board $0.00
School Committee $0.00
Library Trustees $0.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted to support the elected official’s salaries and compensation
by a unanimous vote. The Finance Committee noted that these salaries and compensation are traditional for Canton,
and town meeting has consistently supported them; however a request to the Select Board to appoint a committee
to review and investigate historical rationale and equity among these elected officials’ salaries and compensation is
recommended, for further discussion at ATM 2022.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-26-Source page 27
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
ARTICLE 8
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 8 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, transfer from Free
Cash, or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum or sums of money to pay any unpaid bills of any prior
fiscal year; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That a total of Seventy Thousand Seventy-Two Dollars and Twenty-Eight Cents ($70,072.28)
be appropriated to pay bills from prior fiscal years for the purposes and vendors set forth below,
and to meet this appropriation a total of Seventy Thousand Seventy-Two Dollars and Twenty-
Eight Cents ($70,072.28) be charged to the listed F Y 2 0 2 1 appropriation accounts voted pursuant
to Article 54 of the 2020 Annual Town Meeting:
Vendor Purpose Amount Source of Funds Account
Cabot Risk Strategies, LLC FY '20 IOD Deductible 45,000.00 Insurance Contingencies 19462-578000
Cabot Risk Strategies, LLC FY '19 IOD Deductible 20,164.72 Insurance Contingencies 19462-578000
Various Retirees IOD Health Claims 4,016.84 Health Insurance Other Charges 19141-57000
ESI Qual International Library Training 363.98 Other Employee Benefits 19102-57404
Spaulding IOD Health Claims 272.07 Health Insurance Other Charges 19141-57000
Bound Tree Medical Finger Sensors - Disposable 184.90 Ambulance Supplies 12312-54001
Minuteman Press Rubber Stamp 38.59 Ambulance Supplies 12312-54001
W.B. Mason Batteries & Stamp 31.18 Town Clerk Office Supplies 11612-54200
TOTAL 70,072.28
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to pay prior years bills. The Town of Canton requires a
current year appropriation of funds to pay prior year expenditures. The bills from Cabot Risk Services, LLC are for
the claims against the Town of Canton’s worker compensation policy which are subject to deductible. Cabot did not
bill the town timely for the deductibles related to these claims. Other prior years bills that were not received timely
include: health insurance charges, cultural diversity training for the library staff, and supply bills.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-27-Source page 28
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
ARTICLE 9
ADJUST FISCAL ’21 ACCOUNTS
Article 9 To see if the Town will vote to increase/decrease or otherwise adjust the appropriations heretofore made
for the Fiscal Year 2021 beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2021 and the revenues sources to meet
those appropriations, as voted pursuant to Article 54 of the warrant for the 2020 Annual Town Meeting, and to raise
and appropriate, transfer from available funds or transfer from Free Cash to meet any such increases or adjustments;
or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOVED: That Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) be raised and appropriated from
previously unappropriated FY21 general fund revenues of the Town to fund the Snow and Ice budget
deficit.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to adjust FY21 accounts. As the weather is
unpredictable here in New England so is the snow and ice removal budget. The expenses are $200,000 over budget
for FY2021. The funding source for this additional expense is unappropriated local receipts.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 10
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 10 To see what new or additional revolving funds, pursuant to c. 44, section 53E ½ of the General Laws of
the Commonwealth, the Town may establish by amendment to Article VII (“Financial Regulations”), Section 16
(“Departmental Revolving Funds”} of the General Bylaws of the Town and to see what amendments if any the town
may vote to existing revolving funds contained in the Town’s Bylaw, and to determine the limit on total amount that
may be expended from the Town’s revolving accounts, for various boards, commissions or departments of the town,
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
MOTION 1:
MOVED: That Article VII, “Financial Regulations”, Section 16 “Departmental Revolving Funds”
of the General Bylaws of the Town, be hereby amended by striking in Revolving Fund 152 “Paul Revere
Heritage Committee” and replace with “Revere & Son Heritage Trust Corporation”.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted to support this motion. This motion updates the spending authority
for the Paul Revere Heritage Site Museum Fund revolving account to reflect the transition from the Paul Revere
Committee to Revere & Son Heritage Trust Corporation.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-28-Source page 29
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
MOTION 2:
MOVED: That the spending limits for the revolving funds established pursuant to General By- Laws
Article VIII, Section 16 pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the 2022 fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and that each Revolving Fund shall be
credited with the balance remaining in such fund at the end of the FY 2021 as set forth below:
Revolving
Fund # Name of Revolving Fund FY21 Spending Limit
110 Veteran’s Services Special Revenues $100,000
119 Library Revolving Fund $75,000
130 Recreation Revolving Fund $500,000
132 Student Parking Fees $100,000
134 Pequitside Farm Rentals $50,000
135 Greenlodge Street Parking Fees $100,000
136 Beautification Fund $10,000
137 Animal Control Special Revenues $50,000
138 Library Building Rentals $50,000
140 COA Revolving Fund $50,000
141 Board of Health Special Revenue $50,000
Paul Revere Heritage Site Rolling
142 Mill and Open Space Fund $120,000
145 Traffic Mitigation Fund $50,000
Paul Revere Heritage Site Museum
152 Fund $100,000
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports this article which sets spending limits for each revolving account.
This article also specifies that each account be credited with the balance remaining in the account at the end of FY21.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
-29-Source page 30
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
ARTICLE 11
“OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 11 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, transfer from Free
Cash, or to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow (and to issue bonds or
notes therefore) any sum or sums of money, or by any combination of these methods of financing, as may be
necessary or desirable, make available funds for the purpose of purchasing, leasing, re-conditioning, improving or
replacing any motor vehicles or other items of equipment or machinery or other items of personal property for any
town agency, or for the purpose of contracting for any service, or for the design, repair, acquisition, construction,
replacement or relocation or improvement to any town building or other structure, public works facility (including
highway needs and traffic safety items), any other town owned facility or real property, or for any other purposes
for which borrowing may be authorized, to purchase, or to take by eminent domain, any land or easements necessary
for any such purposes and, where applicable, to authorize the trade-in of any presently owned motor vehicles,
equipment or machinery to reduce the purchase or acquisition cost of any item to be acquired, and to include in any
new capital project borrowing authorization and/or to amend such borrowing authorizations from prior years Town
Meetings to provide for the application of any bond premiums to reduce the cost of such borrowings or to apply same
to payment of project costs; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for Capital Planning Committee
Article 11 - MOTION 1
MOVED: (a) The acquisition of all vehicles and other motorized equipment that is authorized to
be purchased or otherwise acquired by any motion made under this warrant article shall be under the
responsibility of the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer. In addition to the procurement, the
“trade-in” or other disposition of all vehicles and other motorized equipment being replaced is also
authorized and shall be under the responsibility of the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer. In
all cases where by a motion made under this warrant article, a vehicle or other piece of motorized
equipment is to be acquired by a town agency such purchase or acquisition shall be subject to and bound
by the detailed specifications regarding such purchase or acquisition on file in the office of the Town
Clerk; provided, however, the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer, may, in appropriate
circumstances, waive or modify the said detailed specifications, subject to a vote of the Finance
Committee, taken within 30 (thirty) days following a decision to waive or to modify the foregoing
provision requiring full compliance with the specifications on file.
(b) All building related projects which are approved and or funded by any motion made under
this article shall be under the responsibility of the Building Renovations Committee appointed pursuant
to Canton By-law, Article X, section 4, except as may be provided by any specific motion made pursuant
to this article.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
Article 11 - MOTION 1
DISCUSSION: This motion authorizes the Finance Director to supervise the acquisition, trade-ins, or other
disposition of vehicles and other motorized equipment. This motion also authorizes the Building Renovations
Committee to oversee all building/land projects.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
-30-Source page 31
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Article 11 - MOTION 2
MOVED: That Eight Hundred Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Nine Dollars ($836,509) be
appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2022 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town to be spent by
the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the approval of various Municipal
Departments designated below and with the approval of the Select Board for the purposes set forth below
as follows:
FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT
Council on Aging
Emergency Generator $61,000
Finance Department
Permit Software – Part 2 15,000
Firewall & Anti-Virus Software 11,300
Mobile Data Terminals for Police Cruisers 63,200
Town Hall Mailroom Copier Replacement 10,000
Fire Department
Replace Ford 350 XL Pick-up Truck & Plow 65,000
Purchase & Install Radio Repeater – Wash. St. Tower 18,000
Library
Security Cameras 52,000
Parks & Recreation
Replace Ford Pick Up Truck #40 w/Ford 550 Dump Truck 57,000
Leaf Vacuum 8,000
Police Department
Replace Police Cruisers (4) 168,000
Replace IMC Record Data Management System 97,585
Property Maintenance
Replace Hip Roof at Police Station 123,000
Department of Public Works
Replace Engineering Scanner/Plotter 11,000
Flashing Cross Walk System – 7 locations 58,000
Revere & Son Heritage Trust
Furniture – Preview Room Rolling Mill & Museum 18,424
_________
GRAND TOTAL $836,509
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual appropriations.
The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount appropriated is one
line item in the total sum of Eight Hundred Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Nine Dollars ($836,509).
The Finance Director and Town Administrator, acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such
funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the forgoing list of purchases; provided,
however, that each item contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are available because
one or more items cost less than estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
-31-Source page 32
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Article 11 - MOTION 2
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Council on Aging
Emergency Generator ($61,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
The Council on Aging is requesting an emergency generator in the amount of $61,000 for the senior center using
cash capital funding. In the event of a power outage or other emergency, the senior center could feasibly be used as
a cooling/warming center using this proposed generator. This request was supported by the Capital Planning
Committee for FY21 but was deferred to FY22 due to fiscal concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The
Canton Fire Department has also endorsed this project and it views the project as important for expanded public
safety in emergency situations.
Finance/Management Information Systems
Permit Software - Part 2 ($15,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This request from the Management Information Systems Department in the amount of $15,000 of cash capital
funding will complete the second half of the capital project request from FY21 to migrate to a hosted permit software
in replacement of the on-site version that was previously used. This request will complete payment for the new
hosted permit software that the town switched to last year.
Firewall and Anti-Virus Software ($11,300)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This request from the Management Information Systems Department in the amount of $11,300 of cash capital funds
is for the replacement of two existing firewalls and additional anti-virus software options in various locations. The
existing firewalls are 4 years old and no longer connect to the vendor portal for upgrades and adjustments. The
maintaining of strong cyber-security will help prevent breaches of municipal information systems that could
jeopardize data, privacy, and public safety.
Mobile Data Terminals for Police Cruisers ($63,200)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This request from the Management Information Systems Department in the amount of $63,200 of cash capital funds
is for new mobile data terminals in all of the police cruisers. These data terminals are essential parts of the equipment
that our police officers use and allow them to perform several duties of their daily jobs. The current terminals are
outdated and their software is no longer being supported by the vendor they were purchased from many years
ago. This new technology will ensure better consolidated equipment and expanded capability that will help police
efficiently serve the town.
Town Hall Mailroom Copier Replacement ($10,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This request from the Management Information Systems Department in the amount of $10,000 of cash capital funds
is for a new copier in the Town Hall mailroom. The current copier has reached the end of its service life. Due to the
extensive usage of this machine, a replacement is necessary.
Fire Department
Replace 2008 Ford Pick-up Truck & Plow ($65,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the replacement of an existing Fire Department pick-up truck equipped with a snow plow in the
amount of $ 65,000 of cash capital that has many duties and capabilities with the newest available model year truck
-32-Source page 33
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
also outfitted with a snow plow and other comparable equipment and ability. The existing truck has body rot and is
no longer usable in any capacity. The new truck will be a similar model but a heavier duty version and it will also
include a snow plow for the department to be able to relieve the Department of Public Works (DPW) crews from
having to plow their stations and properties during storms, which will also improve emergency response times in
those situations. This vehicle will also be used to tow emergency response equipment, such as boats or trailers,
among other uses. This request was supported by the Capital Planning Committee for FY21 but was deferred to FY22
due to fiscal concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purchase and Install Radio Repeater ($18,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for a new radio signal repeater to be installed on the Washington Street water tower in the amount
of $18,000 of cash capital. The existing radio repeater is not sufficient for its essential duty of repeating alarm
signals in that area of town and it is presenting a major safety issue for residents in that area of town. The new
repeater would fix this existing issue by offering a stronger, more reliable signal that would be relayed to the
appropriate department to respond to the situation.
Library
Security Cameras ($52,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request is for the installation of interior and exterior cameras around the library, particularly on the
side of the building that borders Sherman Street, where there currently are no cameras. This request is in the amount
of $52,000 of cash capital funds. As the library continues to be utilized by many residents of all ages, there is greater
need for increased safety and security for all who use it as well as the staff. This request was supported by the Capital
Planning Committee for FY21 but was deferred to FY22 due to fiscal concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parks & Recreation
Replace Ford Pick Up Truck #40 w/Ford 550 Dump Truck ($57,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $57,000 is for a 2021 Ford F-550 dump truck to replace a smaller F-250
pickup truck that was involved in an accident and determined to be a total loss. Based on current department needs,
a dump truck was determined to be a more practical vehicle, as it would be more capable for transporting materials
for top-dressing, playground repairs, towing, and plowing. The amount of this capital request already factors in an
insurance payout for the F-250 pickup truck and the trade-in of an older dump truck that is at the end of its useful
life.
Leaf Vacuum ($8,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $8,000 is for a 29HP leaf vacuum to be used in conjunction with the dump
truck to remove leaves and debris from various parks, playgrounds, and athletic facilities that the Parks and
Recreation Department are responsible for maintaining. The leaf vacuum will allow the grounds crew to quickly and
more efficiently (compared to hand-held leaf-blowers) remove leaves from these town properties.
Police Department
4 Police Cruisers ($168,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $168,000 is part of an annual request by the Canton Police Department
to routinely replace the worn-out cruisers in their fleet with new ones. Police cruisers are essentially operated 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, and have a much shorter lifespan than the average vehicle due to this significant usage.
As a result, the Canton Police Department has decided that replacing worn-out cruisers with new ones is not only
essential to carrying out their duties but also a more cost-effective way of managing their fleet, as opposed to pouring
money into constant costly repairs and maintenance of older and less efficient cruisers.
-33-Source page 34
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Replace IMC Record Data Management System ($97,585)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request is for the replacement of the Canton Police Department’s record data management system.
The total capital request for this item is $200,000 of which $97,585 will be through cash capital funding with the
rest of the cost being supported though a debt capital request. A records management system provides officers with
essential information that is needed for their daily operations. The department has been utilizing the same system
for the past 15 years and it is now outdated and does not support industry standard technologies to facilitate
information exchange with other systems and agencies. The replacement system will provide the technology and
modern integrations needed to ensure officers have a more complete view of all available information.
Property Maintenance
Replace Hip Roof at Police Station ($123,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $123,000 is to replace the hip roof on an older section of the Canton Police
Station. The roof was not upgraded during the 2004 building renovation and it is now at the end of its service life.
Shingles have been blowing off and the plywood deck underneath is being exposed. This project would prevent
further water damage by replacing the deteriorated roof decking and installing new shingles. Thus, completing this
roof project now, would prevent a costlier project later.
Department of Public Works
Replace Engineering Scanner/Plotter ($11,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $11,000 is to replace an aging large format black and white multifunction
scanner/plotter. This device is needed to scan and print large format engineering documents. The current unit was
purchased in 2011 and has become unreliable. Servicing the current unit has become challenging due to a lack of
replacement parts, and the unit no longer being supported by the manufacturer.
Flashing Cross Walk System - 7 Locations ($58,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-1-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $58,000 is for the purchase of seven flashing crosswalk units. These
“Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons” improve pedestrian safety at crossing locations by giving approaching drivers a
visual warning when a pedestrian is about to cross the street. Six of the seven units will be installed at locations
that have already been identified by the Traffic Study Committee. The seventh unit will serve as a standby unit.
There was some concern on the Capital Planning Committee regarding the purchasing of spare equipment and
whether that would set a negative precedence, which resulted in the split vote.
Revere & Son Heritage Trust
Furniture - Preview Room Rolling Mill & Museum ($18,424)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 6-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $18,424 is for the purchase of tables, chairs, and a podium for use in the
barn/museum and on the 2nd floor of the Rolling Mill by the non-profit Revere & Son Heritage Trust Corporation
(RSHTC). This request is submitted by the RSHTC Board of Directors in support of their commitment under Chapter
150 of the Acts of 2020, which permits capital appropriations to be made for the museum premises and the Revere
Heritage Site. More specifically, this request for tables, chairs, and a podium will help enable the teaching and
educational programs that will showcase the rich history of the museum's collection and of the Revere Heritage Site
as a whole.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
-34-Source page 35
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Article 11 - MOTION 3
MOVED: That Eight Thousand Dollars ($800,000) be appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2022 tax
levy and other general revenues of the Town, for the Canton School Committee to expend for the purpose
of purchasing certain items of property set forth below for the School Department as follows:
FINCOM
AMOUNT
Building Repairs/Improvements
Fitness Centers Upgrades-GMS & CHS $ 19,215
Replacement Classrooms & Main Lobby Floor Tiles – Luce 15,969
Painting and Furnishing of Lobby – JFK 12,300
Replacement 2nd Floor Corridor Tiles – Hansen 12,978
HVAC Maintenance – Districtwide 58,501
Library Carpet Replacement – GMS 22,400
Innovation Lab Renovation – CHS phases 40,000
Grounds Improvement
Installation of (4) Basketball Hoops with Backboards – JFK 8,266
Information Technology
Administrative (Non-Instructional) Staff Desktop Upgrade – Districtwide 42,640
Replacement Classroom Phones – Districtwide 5,100
Chromebooks – Grade 3 Elementary 76,800
Classroom Projector & Amplifier – CHS 7,865
Café Projector Screen – JFK 5,464
iPads – Kindergarten Elementary 35,800
Replacement Laptops – Districtwide 45,750
Ruckus Classroom Access Points – District 20,875
Safety & Security
Creation of a Strategic Operations Plan – Districtwide 9,995
Door Lock Hardware & Interior Door Window Coverings District (Year 3) 16,106
Program Improvement
Pre K-5 Classroom Libraries – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) 36,000
K-5 Book Rooms – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) 18,938
K-5 Prof. Resources for Literacy Instruction – Elementary (Year 2 of 3) 17,147
K-5 Literacy Assessment – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) 11,067
Visual Arts – DSLR Cameras – CHS 8,988
Visual Arts – CHS – Arts Computer Lab 36,000
Visual Arts Display Cases – GMS 7,366
Memorial Field Lighting Control System – CHS 20,000
CHS Auditorium Updates – CHS (Year 3) 87,727
Replacement of Classroom Based Instruments – Districtwide 25,798
Ukuleles – District Elementary 5,028
Laboratory Probes Science – CHS 5,514
Furniture & Fixtures
Stainless Steel Work Tables – Districtwide 5,682
Round Cafeteria Tables – GMS phase 3 18,721
Custodial Equipment – Districtwide 20,000
Forklift – District 20,000
________
GRAND TOTAL $800,000
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual appropriations.
The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount appropriated is one
line item in the total sum of Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000). The Finance Director and the
Business Administrator of the School Department, acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such
funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the forgoing list of purchases; provided,
however, that each item contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are available because
one or more items cost less than estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
-35-Source page 36
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Article 11 – MOTION 3
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Building Repairs/Improvements
Fitness Centers Upgrades – GMS & CHS ($19,215)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $19,215 is to replace flooring and fitness equipment in the fitness center
at the Galvin Middle School. As much research continues to show, good fitness habits-especially when established at
an early age-lead to overall better physical and mental health for individuals throughout their lifetimes. This overhaul
for the Middle School Fitness Center is long overdue, will greatly enhance the Physical Education program, and will
help meet Canton Public Schools' core curriculum guidelines while also improving the school culture and climate.
Replacement Classroom & Main Lobby Floor Tiles – Luce School ($15,969)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $15,969 is for the replacement of floor tiles in classrooms 87 and 89, in
addition to the main lobby, at the Dean S. Luce Elementary School. The current tiles are cracked and peeling
presenting a potential safety hazard as well as reflecting poorly on the overall visual appearance and environment of
the school.
Painting and Furnishing of Lobby - JFK School ($12,300)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $12,300 is for prep, scrape and sand work followed by priming and
painting to refurbish the lobby area of the JFK School. This request would also allow the furnishing of the
aforementioned lobby area with two chairs and a couch. This request will help provide safe facilities and appropriate
learning environments that support a sense of security and comfort for students and staff; employ emergency/crisis
management plans and practices, which supports the Strategic Area of Focus: 2.4 School Safety in the Canton Public
Schools’ Strategic Framework.
Replacement Classroom & Main Lobby Floor Tiles – Hansen School ($12,978)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $12,978 is to replace existing tiles and thresholds in the main lobby and
certain classrooms at the Hansen School that have separated and become damaged due to excessive shifting and
aging. Current flooring is approximately 20 years old. Normal movement of the building has led to "shifting," which
has caused the tiles to crack and/or break. There is also evidence of tiles not being fully adhered to the sub flooring
causing a tripping hazard. This project would create a safer and more positive environment at the Hansen School.
HVAC Maintenance – Districtwide ($58,501)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $58,501 is for the supplies, parts, materials, equipment, and labor required
to replace, repair, or maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment across the district’s six
school buildings. These funds will allow HVAC work to be done in-house and result in considerable savings over
having outside contractors doing the work. This project will help ensure that the Town’s school buildings have
adequate climate control and healthy air quality through proper servicing and repair of the school district’s HVAC
systems.
GMS Library Carpet Replacement ($22,400)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
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This cash capital request in the amount of $22,400 is for the replacement of the Galvin Middle School library
carpeting. Due to wear, this deteriorating carpet is now causing a tripping hazard in the school library, which needs
to be repaired to help ensure safety at the school.
Innovation Lab Renovation ($40,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $40,000 is to develop an Innovation Lab by converting existing space at
Canton High School. This will allow students to explore and develop ideas while working alongside likeminded
students under the mentorship of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) teacher. This
project will allow better utilization of school space while also enhancing learning and access to the curriculum.
Grounds Improvement
Installation of (4) basketball hoops with backboards – JFK School ($8,266)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $8,266 is for the purchase and installation of 4 new basketball hoops with
backboards, which will be mounted on repurposed poles to allow the use of the already refurbished outdoor basketball
court surfaces at the JFK School.
Technology
Administrative (Non-Instructional) Staff Desktop Upgrade – Districtwide ($42,640)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $42,640 will upgrade the administrative staff’s older desktop computers
to newer HP EliteDesk 800 G5 mini desktop computers, approximately fifty-two units, to better support current
school curriculum requirements. This upgrade will provide administrative staff with hardware that is more consistent
with what the teaching staff is currently running. The computers will also support Strategic Framework 4.4: by
providing efficient and coherent operational systems.
Replacement Classroom Phones – Districtwide ($5,100)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $5,100 will enable the phasing out of the older 5403-model classroom
phones that have started to have button and display issues with newer-model phones, which has led to faculty and
staff not always being able to make an outside call or call into the main office, which creates inefficiencies and can
jeopardize safety in certain cases.
Chromebooks – Grade 3 Elementary ($76,800)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $76,800 will provide Chromebooks for the 3rd grade. These will be HP
Intel Celeron N4020 Chromebook 11 G8 Education Edition with Google Management License with White Glove Service
(quantity: 300). This purchase will allow 3rd grade students to better access the curriculum using technology.
Classroom Projector and Amplifier – CHS ($7,865)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $7,865 will enable the continued installation of classroom projectors and
amplifiers at Canton High School (CHS) for the five remaining classrooms that need to receive these upgrades to
reflect the current CHS classroom configurations.
Cafeteria Projector Screen – JFK School ($5,464)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $5,464 is for a large projector screen for the JFK School cafeteria, which
would be a The N:D-Lite Tension Contour Electrol Wide Format Screen. The existing screen is 5 years old but was
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
damaged when an internal part leaked oil all over the screen. The cost to clean and repair the existing screen would
be prohibitive, so purchasing a new projector screen will be the most cost-efficient solution to this issue.
iPads – Kindergarten Elementary ($35,800)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $35,800 is for 100 iPads (10.2-inch Wi-Fi 32GB Gold) . The current iPads
used by the second grade will be turned in and will be given to incoming 2022 kindergarten students. The current
Grade 2 enrollment is less than the estimated 2022 incoming kindergarten class. Consequently, purchasing these
additional iPads will allow all incoming kindergarten students to have a device to access the online curriculum.
Replacement Laptops – District ($45,750)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $45,750 is for 50 Acer SP5 13-54N-58XD 13.5” –Core – i5 1035G4 – 8GB
RAM 256GB SSD laptops. The Canton Public Schools has many older Lenovo Laptops (T410 and T420s), throughout
the district that were purchased as refurbished units in an effort to cut down on expense. These laptops are now
starting to fail and need replacement.
Ruckus Classroom WIFI Access Points –District ($20,875)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $20,875 is for 122 Ruckus Classroom Wireless Network Access Point R510
Zone Flex 802.11ac devices. These individual classroom access points will give teachers a better experience when
streaming Google Meets, Zoom, as well as streaming to their classroom projectors using AirTame Devices.
Safety & Security
Creation of Strategic Operations Plan – Districtwide ($9,995)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $9,995 is to hire a consultant to develop a thorough and user-friendly set
of emergency operations plans to guide administrators’ responses to a variety of potential crisis situations. It would
also include posters to be placed in every classroom to help guide responses to possible emergency scenarios. This
request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 2.4 School Safety: Provide safe facilities and
appropriate learning environments that support a sense of security and comfort for students and staff; employ
emergency/crisis management plans and practices.
Door Locking Hardware & Interior Door Window Coverings – Districtwide (Year 2) ($16,106)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This cash capital request in the amount of $16,106 represents the second phase of a program to purchase door
locks and door window coverings for all schools to improve security in emergency situations. The purpose of this
project is to provide standardized sets of locking hardware for doors as well as door window coverings throughout
the district, so that teachers have easy access to close and lock classroom doors and cover door windows in the
event of a school lock down. This request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 2.4 School Safety:
Provide safe facilities and appropriate learning environments that support a sense of security and comfort for students
and staff; employ emergency/crisis management plans and practices.
Program Improvement
Pre-K to Grade 5 Classroom Libraries - All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) – ($36,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
During the FY21 capital cycle, the School Department recommended a 3-year phase in of K-5 classroom libraries for
a planned literacy program. FY22 will be phase 2 of the 3-year plan. Cash capital funds in the amount of $36,000
will be used to continue the literacy plan implementation and school building classroom libraries will be provisioned
with books that have a range of reading levels, topics, and genres to support independent reading with a minimum
of 30 books per student as a start. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 3.1:
Designing Student Learning and Growth.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
K-5 Book Rooms – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) – ($18,938)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
During the FY21 capital cycle, the Canton Public Schools recommended a 3-year phase in of K-5 book room upgrades.
FY22 will be phase 2 of the 3-year plan. Cash capital funds in the amount of $18,938 will be used to continue the
literacy plan implementation of school building book rooms for improved guided reading. The request supports the
Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 3.1: Designing Student Learning and Growth.
K-5 Professional Resources for Literacy Instruction – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) – ($17,147)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
During the FY21 capital cycle, the Canton Public Schools recommended a 3-year phase in of K-5 teacher resources
for literacy instruction. FY22 will be phase 2 of the 3-year plan. Cash capital funds in the amount of $17,147 will be
used to continue the literacy plan implementation by providing resources for phonics, spelling, and word study in
grades 3-5. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 3.1: Designing Student Learning
and Growth.
K-5 Literacy Assessment – All Elementary (Year 2 of 3) – ($11,067)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
During the FY21 capital cycle, the Canton Public Schools recommended a 3-year phase in of benchmark assessment
kits for each elementary school. FY22 will be phase 2 of the 3-year plan. Due to COVID-19 pandemic related needs,
the school district did not use the year 1 funds to support this assessment. Instead, those funds were reallocated to
professional resources. Cash capital funds in the amount of $11,067 will be used to begin purchasing the assessment
kits used to monitor student reading progress during the school year. The request supports the Canton Public
Schools’ Strategic Framework 3.1: Designing Student Learning and Growth.
Visual Arts – DSLR Cameras – CHS ($8,988)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $8,988 will be used to purchase 12 Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR cameras with
18-55mm lenses and accessory kits. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework 3.1:
Designing Student Learning and Growth by integrating technology to create transformational learning experiences
for every student and Strategic Framework 3.2: Student Agency, Voice and Ownership of Learning.
Visual Arts – Arts Computer Lab – CHS ($36,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $36,000 will be used to replace the aging computer labs (rooms 173 and 216)
used by the Visual Arts Department and Innovation Lab, with each lab containing 25 Mac desktop computers, a high-
quality color laser printer in each lab, and one set of 25 Wacom drawing tablets. This equipment will allow students
to have enhanced digital art making technology and will allow them to be more innovative and creative as they learn
while providing teachers with more tools to provide instruction of the curriculum.
Visual Arts – Display Cases – Galvin Middle School ($7,366)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $7,366 will be used to fund the purchase of three display cases (two small wall-
mounted cases and one freestanding case) for the Galvin Middle School to increase the amount of protected display
space for two-dimensional and three-dimensional student artwork. The request supports Strategic Framework 4.2:
Complete Facilities Master Plan and Educational Visioning by developing facilities that inspire widespread
transformation in student learning.
Athletics - Memorial Field Lighting Control System – CHS ($20,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MAY 22, 2021
Cash capital funds in the amount of $20,000 will be used to upgrade the control system for the field lights at Memorial
Field. Currently, the lights are controlled by a switch, which needs to be updated so that it can be controlled remotely.
The current lighting control system is over 20 years old and requires the hiring of staff to turn the lights on and off ,
which is unnecessary. With the new system in place, the school will be able to turn the lights on and off remotely,
which will not require this costly labor. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework
Objective #4: Achieving District Excellence by developing a state-of-the-art operational system.
Performing Arts - Auditorium Updates – CHS ($87,727)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $87,727 will be used for phase 3 of this 3-year program to update the CHS
auditorium. Phase 1 and 2 were completed in FY19 and FY20, respectively. Phase 3 was delayed in FY21 due to the
reduction of funds in the FY21 capital budget because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The auditorium space receives
very heavy use by the school and the community. The one remaining priority is the stage lighting system. The
proposed funds will cover equipment that is needed to switch the stage lights to LED lights which have more features,
a longer useful life, cost less to upkeep, and are higher-tech. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’
Strategic Framework Objective #4 Achieving District Excellence by completing facilities that support and inspire
widespread transformation in student learning.
Performing Arts - Replacement of Classroom Based Instruments – District Wide ($25,798)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $25,798 will be used by the department to purchase musical instruments for
their inventory to provide an equitable experience to students whose families cannot afford a rental. Musical
instruments are on a replacement cycle, with some instruments purchased each year. In addition, Connolly bus
company enforces rules that bans instruments on the buses that do not fit in a child’s lap, which has been a hardship
on many families counting on bus transportation for their children. This proposal will allow the school to own
instruments to be used in school while students keep their rented instruments at home. The request supports the
Canton Public Schools’ Strategic Framework Objective #1 Achieving Educational Excellence and Ensuring Equity by
eliminating obstacles and barriers to student learning growth.
Performing Arts - Ukuleles – JFK & Luce Elementary Schools ($5,028)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $5,028 will be used to purchase a set of soprano ukuleles for the JFK School and
Luce School students. Last year, MusicCounts! (a parent booster group for music) purchased a similar set for the
Hansen School as a pilot for the elementary level, which increased student engagement, allowed students to access
melodic and harmonic curriculum in a new way, and provided students with an enjoyable learning experience. The
request supports Strategic Framework 3.1: Designing Student and Learning Growth by allowing teachers to design
engaging and relevant instruction to create transformational learning experiences for every student and Strategic
Framework Objective #1: Achieving Educational Excellence and Ensuring Equity by allowing all three elementary
schools to engage in the learning experience.
Science - Laboratory Probes – CHS ($5,514)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Cash capital funds in the amount of $5,514 will be used to purchase updated interfaces and probes to use real-time
computer-based data acquisition in high school science classrooms. Canton High School, in the past, has spent a
large amount of money on PASCO probes that no longer interface with current laptops and computers. These probes
are incredibly useful in the science classrooms for biology, chemistry, physics, and other elective programs. The
probes allow students to collect precise real-time data to allow them to directly interact with science and Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts and allow them to analyze high quality data and draw
conclusions. The current interfaces require serial ports, which are outdated technology and are no longer used by
laptops and some of the current equipment is also damaged. The request supports the Canton Public Schools’
Strategic Framework 3.1: Design Engaging and Relevant Instruction by integrating technology to create
transformational learning experiences for every student.
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